Hit Men
Reflective Reading: II Chronicles 25:1-12
Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining me! Today’s story is going to be about Amaziah: a king who did right in God’s eyes, but still didn’t serve the Lord with his whole heart. It starts off a little like this…
Amaziah is about to engage in a battle, but for added security he’s hired 100,000 extra hit men “just in case.” But then a prophet comes and ruins the plan.
The prophet tells Amaziah that if he wants God’s blessing, he needs to go into battle without the hired soldiers. The prophet continues his rebuke by saying that Amaziah needs to change his thinking about God.
“Why should you suppose that God will cast you down before the enemy?” ~II Chronicles 25:8
Isn’t this how so many Christians think? We’re faced with attacks from every side so we gather our defenses. We are going to protect ourselves no matter what.
There is no doubt that God allows unsettling attacks into our lives for a reason: our good. He’s testing us to see whether or not we’ll trust him completely. King Amaziah didn’t pass the test because of the idols of his heart. After the prophet tells the king to send the soldiers back, he basically says, “and what about the money that I paid down for my soldiers? Do I get a refund?” He really doesn't get it. But I think he starts to after hearing what the prophet says next,
“Amaziah, The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” ~ II Chronicles 25:9b
Amaziah was more concerned with his loss of money. His thinking was that as long as he won, he wasn’t concerned as to “how” he won. But God is concerned in how we win. He can turn any loss into great gain. His reminder to Amaziah, and to us, is :
“The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” ~ II Chronicles 25:9b
Let’s not miss out on what God has in store for us—especially when it seems like we are outnumbered. If you aren’t willfully sinning, God has your back. He will fight for you. And if God is for you, who can be against you?!
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
President
Recommended Reading:
Joseph’s Shield (Ages 6+)
The White Knights (Ages 9+)
Rosa of Linden Castle (Ages 9+)
Manchester House (Ages 12+)
Dashed to Pieces book/audio drama (Ages 12+)
